New Zealand’s Pull Off: How Cricket’s ‘Nice Boys’ Damaged the Spirit Of the Gentlemen’s Game

The decision of New Zealand’s cricket team to return home right before the match has caused frustration for cricket fans in Pakistan and all around the world. Not only has it raised several questions, but it has also put the credibility of both Pakistan and New Zealand at risk.

The future of international cricket in Pakistan also seems in danger. After the attack on the Sri Lankan team in 2009, it took the Pakistan government, PCB, and security agencies years to bring international cricket back home.

Before the Kiwis arrived in Pakistan, the world’s leading cricket security expert, Reg Deccan came to Pakistan. During the visit, he reviewed all the arrangements and measures related to security and expressed his complete satisfaction with them. Reg Deccan is a security consultant not only for New Zealand but also for the England team which will visit Pakistan next month.

The Black-caps arrived in Pakistan on 11 September for the first time in 18 years, practiced for 5 days, refused to play on the 6th day, and left Pakistan on the 7th day. All of their acts were protected by Pakistani security agencies and every single player left Pakistan without losing even a single button.

Prime Minister Imran Khan personally called New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern and reassured her team’s safety but she refused to change her decision. If the New Zealand Cricket Board or their government had information about security concerns, they should have brought it to the notice of the Pakistan Cricket Board and the government of Pakistan instead of escaping the confrontation.

New Zealand should be questioned and asked for proof about their allegations. Their immoral and unprofessional behaviour has put the soft image of Pakistan at stake. The upcoming tours of teams of England and the West Indies are also in danger.

It is not the first time that the New Zealand team has left Pakistan hanging in the midway. Before this, the New Zealand team abandoned tours of Pakistan in 2001 and 2002 for so-called security reasons.

This time around, New Zealand should be brought to accountability at International Cricket Council. Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board Ramiz Raja has hinted at raising the matter in ICC and the whole nation stands firmly behind him. Not only Pakistan but cricket fans around the world await justice because New Zealand’s Cricket Team has damaged the spirit of the gentlemen’s game.

Here’s what Neelam Aslam has to say on this issue:

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